Callaway planners to discuss relaxing business restrictions

By JACQUELINE BOSTICK / The News Herald

Published: Saturday, January 5, 2013 at 05:37 PM.

CALLAWAY — Callaway’s planning board will hold a special workshop meeting Monday to discuss revisions to the city’s land development regulations that currently prohibit various business developments along Tyndall Parkway and State 22.

“We want to make sure that we’re not prohibiting any uses or business that would be essentially beneficial or job creators,” Planning Director Michael Fuller said Thursday.

At recent meetings, companies complained the city’s zoning restrictions — officially called the Central Corridors Urban Design Overlay District — included too much of the core of the city and stifled the city’s economic growth. In response, the city’s planning board tasked Fuller with examining land development regulations and providing recommendations.

“I think, now, we want to go back and look and maybe allow restaurants and other businesses that have drive-throughs to be permitted within the entire overlay district because that’s another source of employment,” Fuller said.

Also on the list are large retail stores.

“Those types of uses are generally seen as major employment centers and contribute to the economic development and vitality of the community,” he added.

The recommendations would suggest deregulating all five subdistricts. Currently, large retail stores and drive-throughs are prohibited in varying subdistricts.

CALLAWAY — Callaway’s planning board will hold a special workshop meeting Monday to discuss revisions to the city’s land development regulations that currently prohibit various business developments along Tyndall Parkway and State 22.

“We want to make sure that we’re not prohibiting any uses or business that would be essentially beneficial or job creators,” Planning Director Michael Fuller said Thursday.

At recent meetings, companies complained the city’s zoning restrictions — officially called the Central Corridors Urban Design Overlay District — included too much of the core of the city and stifled the city’s economic growth. In response, the city’s planning board tasked Fuller with examining land development regulations and providing recommendations.

“I think, now, we want to go back and look and maybe allow restaurants and other businesses that have drive-throughs to be permitted within the entire overlay district because that’s another source of employment,” Fuller said.

Also on the list are large retail stores.

“Those types of uses are generally seen as major employment centers and contribute to the economic development and vitality of the community,” he added.

The recommendations would suggest deregulating all five subdistricts. Currently, large retail stores and drive-throughs are prohibited in varying subdistricts.

“These proposed revisions, I think, better address the realities of the current real estate and economic conditions,” Fuller said.

Revisions also include allowing administrative offices for construction companies and prohibiting the sale of mobile homes and RVs.

If the board accepts the recommendations, Fuller will draft an ordinance to be read before the City Commission board at the Jan. 22 meeting.

Monday's meeting will be 5:30 p.m. at the Callaway Arts & Conference Center.

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